Vilm Yachts on Rügen and Gerhard Schöchl are building a new brand with the long-distance sailors Julia and Markus Luckeneder
Under the Insieme Yachts label, "the ultimate blue water yacht for big adventures with a small crew" (self-promotion) will be created in future. The basis is the Sunbeam 40.1, which was built by Schöchl on Lake Mattsee near Salzburg in 2015. The design by Jakopin & Jakopin was modified on deck, in the fittings and in the underwater area. The boat is now only available as a two-cabin boat, with the space freed up in the stern being used as a stowage and technical room. The boat offers space for installations such as a generator, washing machine, air conditioning and water maker as well as an office workstation.
Fully equipped instead of low priced
The Insieme 40 has two collision bulkheads in the bow, the rudder is protected by a partial keel, and the L-shaped keel is suspended from a thick keel plate and a solid floor assembly. In addition to safety, great importance is attached to self-sufficiency: lithium batteries with 660 ampere hours and a deck-integrated 400 Wp solar system are already standard. Wind generators can easily be retrofitted to the equipment rack above the stern. The philosophy of the new brand is upmarket basic equipment instead of a slimmed-down basic version with high surcharges for options that are necessary anyway. Most of the equipment components are already on board, from the electric anchor winch and navigation electronics including plotter to the autopilot and solar system. The ready-to-sail boat costs around 600,000 euros.
Behind the brand are the two long-distance sailors Julia and Markus Luckeneder from Vienna, who operate under the name of Insieme Sailing already has a blue water shop operate. The boat is being built by Vilm Yachts on the island of Rügen, with Gerhard Schöchl, formerly of Sunbeam Yachts, as technical advisor and quality manager.
Predecessor boat has proven itself in the test
The Insieme 40 is based on the excellent sailing Sunbeam 40.1. From the YACHT test: an average of around 10 knots is enough for the 8.5 tonne construction to reach speeds of around 7 knots, sometimes even more, on the cross, with a turning angle of almost 90 degrees. In addition to the impressive performance, it is extremely easy to call up, the boat tracks almost automatically and the feedback behaviour is just right. Thanks to good balance and a large blade. A high level of stability and good control are also noticeable, even larger angles of up to 30 degrees are no problem. The cleanly profiled, very durable yet lightweight membrane sails ("Stratis") from Doyle Raudaschl contribute to the performance. The mainsail is particularly pleasing. Although it can be furled (rig from Sparcraft), it is nicely rounded, made possible by four continuous and four shorter vertical battens. Sitting sideways on the coaming, the helmsman has a clear view of the threads and waves. There are removable footrests that can be positioned individually. Great in this context: the backstay is positioned in the centre, so there are no wires in the helmsman's way. (Note: The sails will come from Elvstrøm and the rig from Seldén).
The basis is already right
A little drop, and the log immediately shows 8 knots. With the furling gennaker and a little more wind, it quickly becomes between 8 and 9; the colourful cloth also makes for a nice depth. An almost obligatory addition to the sailing plan. The helmsman reaches the mainsheet on two winches aft on the coaming. It runs as a multiple tackle on a traveller in front of the companionway and is steered aft on both sides by lever stoppers. The genoa winches are not directly accessible from the wheels. Fast, stiff, easy to steer and operate - the Sunbeam 40.1 is a convincing sailor.
In this respect, the new Insieme Yachts label is off to a promising start, because the foundation is proven to be a very good one, and with the experienced Vilm shipyard and Gerhard Schöchl on deck, as well as the experience gained from various long voyages, the technology should be right.
